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Did You Know?

Trivia:

Willard's mother tells him she should have given him a better name. The meaning of Willard is "Will Brave", the opposite of Willard's skittish demeanor. The name she tries to give him, Clark (i.e. Clerk) is Willard's occupation at Martin-Stiles.See more »

Goofs:

Continuity: When Willard is walking to Mr. Martin's house with the rats in the bag, his hair style is different than it is in the rest of the movie.See more »

Glen Morgan's Willard isn't your ordinary mainstream remake! Unlike the
bombastic and computerized money-making films like oh, I don't know Texas
Chainsaw Massacre, 13 Ghosts and Dawn of the Dead who're merely loud updates
of classic horrific tales. Willard is a modest and respectful production
that lays the stress on atmosphere and scenery instead of gory effects and
good-looking young flesh. Willard is the tale of an extremely introvert
middle-aged man (lives with his needy mother, no girlfriend, stuck in a
hopeless job) who discover his ability to control and command little
rodents rats in particular. By communicating with these rats, he finally
discovers what friendship feels like and it also gives him the opportunity
to satisfy his deepest feelings of anger and vengeance towards his boss 
Frank Martin. But the mob of rats slowly turns against Willard as he doesn't
treat them alike. Thanks to the depressing scenery (Willard's old house, the
morbid factory) and the under-exposure at times, Willard often looks like a
40's chiller! There's a good and constant variation of tension and sadistic
humor, with the cat-chase as the absolute highlight to state this. Crispin
Glover  the man with the most incomprehensible cult following in the film
industry  is brilliantly cast as Willard. His goofy  yet spooky  charisma
fits his character really well. R. Lee Ermey receives the change to be his
old boisterous self again as the dreary factory-owner who's out to destroy
Willard life. To conclude the cast, Laura Harding is very charming as the
understanding and helpful Cathryn. This film may not show as many bloodshed
and eccentric slaughtering as the nowadays public demands, but it surely
made an impression on me. Willard is a very atmospheric and often
frightening horror storytelling with some adorable fairy-tale aspects and
playfully imaginative aspects. Highly recommended. I saw this film at a
during a festival-night after a series of gory slashers. The over-enthusiast
public didn't appreciate it that much but I trust in the fact that Willard
will build up a solid cult reputation.

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